AUGUSTA - The Maine Legislature advanced a bill this week from Rep. Nina Milliken, D-Blue Hill, that would create a civil cause of action in Maine law for victims of non-consensual condom removal, colloquially known as "stealthing." The House of Representatives voted 73-51 to advance the measure on Tuesday, and the Senate voted 27-6 to advance the measure on Wednesday.
"For far too long, victims of this type of assault have had no means of recourse," said Milliken. "I am so grateful that my colleagues in the Legislature have taken this important step to address the current gaps in our sexual assault laws. This bill will support victims and finally offer them an opportunity to begin to hold their perpetrators accountable."
As amended, LD 1683 would provide stealthing victims with a civil recourse to hold their perpetrator accountable by allowing them to file a lawsuit within a six-year statute of limitations. The bill also creates rules and standards for courts to consider regarding custody and support should a child be conceived as a result of stealthing.
In 2022, California became the first state in the nation to allow victims of stealthing to sue their perpetrator. Other states, including Wisconsin, Pennsylvania and Vermont, have also considered similar bills in recent years.
The bill faces further votes in the House and Senate.
Milliken, a member of the Criminal Justice and Public Safety Committee, is serving her first term in the Maine House and represents Blue Hill, Brooksville, Castine, Sedgwick, Surry and Trenton.
Contact:
Brian Lee [Milliken], c. 305-965-2744